ALBION are poised to kick-off next season with a home game for the first time in eight years.

They are expecting to launch their League One campaign at Withdean when the fixtures are released next week.

The Seagulls have been forced to play their first match away in recent seasons to avoid a clash with the Pride festival.

The dates do not coincide this year so Albion are anticipating a home match on Saturday August 11 following the succession of away openers.

They have only started at home once in the last 11 years, in 1999 when Mansfield were mauled 6-0 in the first ever League match at Withdean after two seasons of groundsharing with Gillingham.

The previous home opener was at the beginning of the final season at the Goldstone in 1996 against Chester.

Albion may have to make two League visits to Cheltenham's Whaddon Road, where they finished last season.

Promoted Bristol Rovers will be groundsharing with Cheltenham from the middle of the season while their Memorial Stadium is redeveloped.